TFSC News & Things to Know

NEWS FROM THE TFSC

The TFSC has developed an email notification system to notify licensees and stakeholders of important and time-sensitive information. All emails maintained by the agency in its licensee database were uploaded to the email server. If you would like to be added to the distribution list please click here.

Each licensee has the option to opt out of these emails, but the Executive Director encourages you to receive these notices. At this time, we expect to send no more than one email per month to ensure your inbox is not inundated with emails from the agency.

The TFSC is now undergoing review by the Texas Sunset Commission. Information regarding the Sunset Commission review process can be found on the Sunset Commission website.

Additionally, licensees, consumers and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit any comments or concerns regarding this agency to Sunset Commission staff. Public input can be submitted electronically on the Sunset Commission website using the "Public Input Form."

The Sunset Commission will hear public testimony about the TFSC on August 29-30, 2018 (tentative date) with the Sunset Commission making a final decision regarding the continuation of the agency on November 14-15, 2018.

The TFSC has developed answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the implementation of Health & Safety Code Chapter 697 regarding the disposition of fetal remains.

INVOCATION POLICY

Commissioners adopted an Invocation Policy at the December 2017 meeting. This policy authorizes a licensee in good standing to deliver the Invocation at Commission meetings. If you are interested in giving the invocation at a future meeting, please contact the Executive Director to have your name added to the list.

ADOPTION OF TITLE 22 TEX. ADMIN CODE BY ADDING NEW CHAPTER 204 - FEES

At the March meeting, Commissioners adopted Chapter 204 - Fees. This new chapter formalizes the agency's fee schedule by placing it in its administrative rules. Doing so provides clear transparency to license holders and other stakeholders. This rule adoption made no changes to the agency’s current fee schedule. No fee is increased or decreased as a result of this new Chapter. The rule became effective April 12, 2018.

PROPOSED RULE AMENDMENTS ADOPTED AT MARCH 20, 2018 MEETING

Commissioners voted on the following proposals at the March 20, 2018 meeting. The proposed rules were published in the April 6, 2018 edition of the Texas Register. Public comment was open until May 6, 2018. Final adoption could occur at the June 2018 meeting.

The Executive Director has generated a list of bills that were enacted during the 85th Regular Session of the Legislature. These bills directly or indirectly impact the agency's operations or the industry. The bill list is provived as an FYI and should not be considered a complete list. Licensees and other stakeholders should review the 1,200+ bills enacted to determine impact on them or their business.

MORTUARY LAW EXAM

Each individual who takes the online Mortuary Law Exam must accept the Legal Attestation under penalties of law and Commission action. If evidence is presented of cheating, Commission action could include the loss of a license or the refusal to issue a license.

REACHING TFSC STAFF

When a person calls the main line he/she will hear a recorded message which states "You have reached TFSC, please wait while I transfer your call." At that point the call is transferred to licensing staff. The agency has two people responsible for answering the phone. If those two people are on the phone or away from their desks, the call then transfers to the agency voice mail.

If you are having a problem reaching staff or not having your phone calls returned, please email the Executive Director for assistance.

The TFSC does not staff the online renewal center and online helpdesk. The HPC help-desk states it can take multiple days to respond to a help ticket, especially near the end of the month. The help-desk only responds to emailed help requests. TFSC licensing staff is able to help with resetting passwords or emails for the online renewal system. Contact Nikki Smith at nikki@tfsc.texas.gov for assistance.

A person can also send an email to any of TFSC staff. All direct lines and email addresses are on the Staff Contacts page.

OPEN MEETINGS

The TFSC meets quarterly - usually on the second Tuesday of every third month (March, June, September, December). Meetings are held in Austin, Texas, at the Hobby Building. Once posted, TFSC meeting agendas may be found by clicking on the following website: Texas Secretary of State Open Meetings. Type in Texas Funeral Service Commission in the “Agency Name” field and hit “Find.”

The TFSC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and Smoke Free Agency. The TFSC's employment positions are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). TFSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.